A jacket is the exterior coating that encases the cable. When choosing a jacket type, consider the use of the cable, the application, the location, and any applicable fire codes.
A general purpose thermoplastic, plasticized for superior flexibility and chlorinated for mild fire retardant qualities. PVC is the standard jacket for most communication cables. PVC jacketing is economical and highly durable, making it ideal for most standard applications.
The highest rated fire resistant cable jacket, intended for the plenum spaces of public buildings (space reserved for the circulation of air in heating and air conditioning systems, usually below a raised floor or above a dropped ceiling). All our plenum cables are manufactured to comply with NFPA and National Electric Code guidelines, with a fire retardant jacket that is slow-burning and emits little smoke during combustion. Using plenum rated jacketing helps to ensure the safety of personnel by reducing the spread of dangerous gases in the event of a fire.
LSZH jackets are composed of thermoplastic compounds that drastically reduce the amount of smoke emitted when exposed to high heat or fire, while completely eliminating the release of dangerous halogens associated with standard PVC jacketing. It is ideal for areas that may be more confined or at higher risk of fire, public locations where high traffic volumes increase potential risk, and forward thinking industrial organizations concerned with protecting their employees and sensitive equipment. Benefits of LSZH jacketing include:
The added safety LSZH jacketing provides in the event of fire has made it the ideal choice for applications ranging from military bases, ships, and submarines, to hospitals, subway stations, and industrial facilities the world over.